Spotlight On: Sal Uccello
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Miracle on 34th Street. Get to know Sal Uccello who is portraying Macy in our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
Hello, my name is Sal Uccello and I have done many community theater productions throughout CT. I took a 5 year break and this is my return to the stage.
What makes the stage version of Miracle on 34th Street different from the classic film, and what does the live theater format bring to the story?
Love the live audience. Loved the original movie but nothing beats live theater and audience reaction.
What was a surprising or unexpected challenge that arose during the rehearsal or performance process?
It was a larger cast than I expected but I have already been bonding with this talented group.
What’s your process for memorizing lines?
I type them over and over again. It seems to work better for me than rereading them over and over.
What’s the most challenging role you’ve ever played and how did you prepare for it?
I played a rabid Mae West fan in “Dirty Blond”. It was a two person play. I played fifteen specific different characters. It was challenging with the quick changes and accents. In the last scene Mae West, the other actor, gave me one of her gowns and I was so excited I changed on stage and got made up and transformed into Mae West. It was challenging and fun.
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?
Run the scene lines in my head.
What is your favorite Christmas memory, and why?
Being with my husband Michael on Christmas morning and opening our gifts to each other and having our Christmas breakfast.
What do you hope audiences, particularly those who already love the film, will take away from this live production?
That Christmas can be a special time of year that brings people together.
“Miracle on 34th Street” opens on December 5th and runs through December 14th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“Miracle on 34th Street remains one of the most popular classic Christmas films in the history of cinema, and is so in large part because of its themes of family, new beginnings, and trusting in what we believe.” — GREG HEILMAN of The Sound On Stage
“At its heart, Miracle on 34th Street champions the triumph of faith—not just in the extraordinary but in the goodness of others.” — SABRINA WALLACE of BroadwayWorld.com
